How to Build Motocross Ramps

Motocross is a sport that constantly evolves and expands into different elements. Variations include Supercross, Freestyle and even Arenacross. In Freestyle, arguably the most distinct of the motocross variations, the riders are not racing; they are hitting a series of different-sized jumps and trying to do the best tricks. The metal ramps used in Freestyle are portable and are easier to maintain than dirt jumps.

Things You'll Need

  • 180 feet of 2-by-2-inch metal tubing 1/8 inch thick
  • 120 feet of 1-by-1-inch metal tubing 1/8 inch thick
  • Hacksaw
  • Tape measure
  • Permanent marker
  • Metal grinder
  • Mig welder
  • Welding mask
  • Welding gloves
  • 3 Sheets, 3/4-inch-thick plywood
  • Gray paint
  • Silica
  • 3/8-inch bolts
  • Drill
  • 1/4-inch drill bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Using the hacksaw, cut 2 20-foot-long sections of 2-by-2-inch tubing. Lay them flat on the ground and make a mark at 26 inches and another at 38 inches. Make a mark every 6 inches after the 38-inch mark until you reach the 200 inches. These marks will be your guide for bending the tubing to create the ramp's angle.

    • 2

      Using the hacksaw, cut 1.5 inches deep on every mark, taking caution not to cut any deeper.

    • 3

      Bend the tubes to the desired angle. Lay the tubes on top of each other to assure you've bent them at the same angle. Weld the cuts using a mig welder, and grind the welds smooth where needed.

    • 4

      Cut 20 pieces of the 1-by-1 tubing at lengths of 2 feet or longer if desired. These will serve as the supports for the two bent tubes and the width of the ramp. Place a mark every foot for the entire length of both of the bent tubes.

    • 5

      Set both bent tubes next to each other so they run parallel with each other. Lay a 1-by-1 tube between the 1-foot marks on the 2-by-2 tubes. (Make sure the 1-by-1 tube is flush with the sides of the 2 by 2 tubes.) Weld in place. Weld the rest of the 1-by-1 tubes on the marks using the same process. Grind the welds smooth where needed.

    • 6

      Cut 2 more 2-by-2 tubes to your desired height for the ramp. You will weld them to the bottom of the ramp's face, where they'll act as legs. Cut another piece of 1-by-1 tubing the width or the ramp and weld to the bottom of the legs. This will hold them in place.

    • 7

      Measure from the base of the legs to the very front of the face. The front of the face will be touching the ground. Cut two pieces of 2-by-2 tube to that measurement. These will act as the base of the ramp. Weld to the bottom of the legs on one end and to the underside of the face on the other. Add supports to the frame by welding pieces of 1-by-1 tube diagonally where needed. (The more the better.)

    • 8

      Cut the plywood for the face of the ramp in 4-foot-long sections that are wide enough to cover the metal tube framing. Using a 1/4-inch bit, drill a hole every 6 inches or so down both sides of the wood and frame. Use bolts to secure the wood to the frame.

    • 9

      Paint the face of the ramp using a paint containing silica, which will allow the dirtbike tires to grip.